Those who say McCain didn’t really mean it when he said “I don’t think Americans are concerned if we’re there for 100 years,” should examine the record again. He has said repeatedly that American troops should be in Iraq for decades to come.

For me, this is more than enough to not vote for him. But there is, of course, more. It is unconscionable to elect someone who supports torture, no matter what end it is serving. “The ends justifying the means” is a deeply evil principle, yet it is one that has been adopted by those who claim to follow Christ. But at a more basic level, how can followers of Christ read (my paraphrase), “Put away your sword, Peter – don’t you know those that live by the sword, die by the sword?” or “Love your enemies” and then engage in this war?

For many voters, this boils down to the question, “How can you vote for someone who supports this war?” And support this war, McCain most certainly does.